SERMEF warns of underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation programs

The Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF) has warned that cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilized. Specialists report that many patients are not referred to these programs following a heart attack or other cardiovascular events, despite strong evidence supporting the intervention for recovery.

Marking World Heart Day, Dr. Marta Supervía, a specialist at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, highlighted persistent disparities in the availability, referral, and access to these services. She emphasized that the goal of rehabilitation is not merely survival, but the recovery of function, autonomy, and quality of life.

The warning coincides with the upcoming 2026 publication of the first clinical practice guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology specifically dedicated to cardiac rehabilitation. This new document, endorsed by the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and the World Organization of Family Doctors, aims to provide a comprehensive framework for patient selection, program organization, and professional involvement.